Biology Open Learning Opportunities (BOLO) is a project initiated by Robert Maxwell, Ph.D., as a way to build online learning communities among biology students and those interested in the life sciences. Students taking Georgia State Univiersity biology courses under Dr. Maxwell are required to maintain an ePortfolio of their course work, including their blogs. Individuals outside of GSU can participate in the online components of the course, including daily challenges, online quizzes, and milestones. While non-GSU participants do not earn credit at GSU, they can earn badges marking their growing understanding of biology.

The BOLO component to the courses is based on connectivist learning theory and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The time frame for each learning opportunity is in alignment with the GSU semester schedule.